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Sociology is the systematic study of the organization, dynamics and consequences of social life. The scope of the discipline is as broad and diverse as social life itself. The subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob, from crime to cults, from the divisions of inequities of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, and class to the beliefs of a common culture, and from work to leisure and sport. The Sociology major at CI is designed to give students the ability to analyze the world around them, its people and institutions, from local and particular issues that affect people in Ventura County and the region to national and international questions. The program stresses the mission of CI: we value interdisciplinarity and we emphasize the multicultural, global perspective which is the hallmark of Channel Islands programs. Graduates of the Sociology Program will be well-trained in the empirical methodology of the discipline to engage in the systematic study of human social interaction and institutions. The Sociology major will prepare students for further study and for entry into a variety of professional paths.

Careers

A BA degree in sociology can lead to career opportunities in law, management, marketing, public relations, journalism, social work, urban and environmental planning, public services, teaching, corrections, counseling, human resources, state and federal employment, and other professions. Sociology graduates are employed in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Many business, political science, pre-law and other students take sociology as a minor or a second major because of the applicability of sociology to their chosen professions. Graduate study can also lead to careers within the academy doing teaching and research, as well as careers in applied research in social service, public planning, education, mental health, business, and various governmental settings.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Sociology Program at CI has stated goals and learning objectives (see http://sociology.csuci.edu/learningobjectives.htm).

Students will demonstrate:

• Understanding the role of evidence in the social sciences and how to conduct both quantitative and qualitative sociological research;
• Effective communication, written and oral, about the field of sociology;
• Substantive knowledge of core research areas and theoretical and methodological controversies in sociology and the ability to think critically about them;
• Understanding the history and evolution of the discipline of sociology; and
• Preparedness for professional or graduate study beyond the B.A. degree, or for entry into a career in the social sciences.

Faculty

Dennis Downey, Ph.D.
Chair, Sociology & Anthropology
Professor of Sociology
Bell Tower East, Room 2842
(805) 437-3315
dennis.downey@csuci.edu

Elizabeth Hartung, Ph.D.
Professor of Sociology
Bell Tower West, Room 2275
(805) 437-3274
elizabeth.hartung@csuci.edu

Luis Sanchez, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Sociology
Bell Tower East, Room 2809
(805) 437-3874
luis.sanchez@csuci.edu

Elizabeth A. Sowers, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Sociology
Bell Tower East, Room 2836
(805) 437-3872
elizabeth.sowers@csuci.edu

Lindsey Trimble O’Connor, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Sociology
Bell Tower East, Room 2752
(805) 437-3873
lindsey.trimble-o’conner@csuci.edu

William Wagner III, Ph.D.
Professor of Sociology
Bell Tower East, Room 2846
(805) 437-3314
william.wagner@csuci.edu

Contact Information

https://sociology.csuci.edu/

Programs

• Sociology, B.A. - 120 units

• Sociology, B.A. for the AA-T (TMC) Degree Only - 120 units

• Sociology, Minor - 21 units

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